Rising Viticulturist & Winemaker

Craven Cottage Cc; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on estate

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Craven Cottage Cc in Stellenbosch seeks a Viticulturist to manage premium vineyards, overseeing establishment, soil and canopy management, pest control, and harvest decisions.

You will apply advanced viticultural practices to produce high-quality grapes for winemaking, working with world-class varietals and contributing to the estate's legacy.

The role requires a degree in Viticulture or related field and a minimum of six years' experience in vineyard management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of vineyard management experience.
• Strong understanding of grape physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management in viticulture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans including pruning and canopy management.
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions and environmental factors; adjust as needed.
• Manage irrigation systems and nutrient applications for each block and varietal.
• Implement pest and disease management strategies for vines.
• Determine optimal harvest times based on maturity, sugar and phenolic ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemakers to align viticulture with desired grape profiles.

Skills

Viticulture knowledge

Analytical skills

Decision making

Irrigation scheduling

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology

Tools

Refractometers

Soil testing equipment

Pressure bomb

Job description

Showing 1 Rising Viticulturist Winemaker jobs in Stellenbosch

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Viticulturist to manage their premium vineyards in the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch. This role is responsible for all aspects of grape cultivation, from vineyard establishment and soil management to canopy management, pest control, and harvest decisions. You will employ cutting-edge viticultural practices to produce grapes of exceptional quality for winemaking. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with world-class grape varietals and contribute to the legacy of one of the region's leading wine estates, demanding a deep understanding of grape growing and vineyard health.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans, including pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions, and environmental factors (weather, disease pressure) to ensure optimal grape development.
• Manage irrigation systems and nutrient applications to meet the specific needs of each block and varietal.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect the vines.
• Determine optimal harvest times based on fruit maturity, sugar levels, and phenolic ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemakers to understand desired grape profiles and adjust viticultural practices accordingly.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture, or a related agricultural science.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in vineyard management and grape production.
• Deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management specific to viticulture.
• Proficiency in using vineyard monitoring tools, such as refractometers, pressure bombs, and soil testing equipment.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling and nutrient management for vineyards.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make critical decisions regarding vineyard operations and harvest timing.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-related incentives.
• Potential for housing on or near the estate.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including wine industry courses and international study tours.
• A chance to work with some of the finest grape varietals in a world-renowned wine region.